1. Focus on Actions, Not Just Words:
* Instead of: "She promised to help, but she never showed up."
* Try: "The volunteer shift was supposed to start at noon, but the clock ticked past one, and there was still no sign of her."
2. Use Sensory Details to Show Action:
* Instead of: "He was a hard worker."
* Try: "The clang of his hammer echoed through the shop, a constant rhythm punctuated by the occasional grunt of effort."
3. Describe Consequences of Actions:
* Instead of: "He was a kind person."
* Try: "The stray dog, shivering in the rain, found refuge under his coat, its tail thumping gratefully against his leg."
4. Use Dialogue Sparingly:
* Instead of: "I'll always be there for you," she said.
* Try: He clutched his hand as they walked, silent but for the sound of their shoes crunching on the autumn leaves.
Example:
Instead of: "He was a brave soldier, and he risked his life to save his comrade."
Try: "The grenade landed just feet away, its fuse sputtering like a dying candle. Without hesitation, he flung himself on top of the blast, the earth convulsing as the explosion ripped through the air."
Remember: The most effective sentences that "show, don't tell" will create a vivid picture in the reader's mind, leaving them to interpret the meaning of the actions and draw their own conclusions about whether they speak louder than words.